Hot Dry, Cold Winter Sustainable House Design Factors
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(Hot Arid) (Example: Alice Springs), and most of the interior of middle Australia)
MAIN CHARACTERISTICS:
* Low humidity year round.
* High diurnal (day/night) temperature range.
* At least two (usually four) distinct seasons.
* Low rainfall.
* Very hot summers common.
* Cold winters.
* Hot, dry winds in summer.
* Cool to cold dry winds in winter.
KEY DESIGN PURPOSES:
* Use passive solar principles with well insulated thermal mass.
* Maximise night time cooling in summer.
* Consider convective (stack) ventilation, which vents rising hot air while drawing in cooler air.
* Build more compact shaped buildings with good cross ventilation for summer.
* Maximise solar access, exposure to cooling breezes or cool air drainage, and protection from strong winter (cold) and summer (dusty) winds.
* Shade all east & west glass in summer.
* Provide shaded outdoor living areas.
* Consider adjustable shading to control solar access.
* Auxiliary heating may be required in extreme climates. Use renewable energy sources.
* Use evaporative cooling if required.
* Avoid air-conditioning.
* Use reflective insulation for effective summer and winter application.
* Use bulk insulation for ceilings, walls and exposed floors.
* Use garden ponds and water features in shaded outdoor courtyards to provide evaporative cooling.
* Draught seal thoroughly. Use airlocks to entries.
No examples available at present.